Grazing Angle Illumination for MALDI Sample Plate Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MALDI ion sources lack an effective imaging system to clearly distinguish sample-containing areas from non-sample areas on the sample plate, particularly for low volume samples with low analyte concentration or on textured surfaces, limiting their ability to accurately ionize and analyze samples.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometry system with a sample plate and an illumination device that produces a light beam at a grazing angle to illuminate the sample plate surface, combined with an imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS camera, allowing for detailed imaging and identification of sample-containing regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional illumination is used in MALDI ion sources, then the system structure remains simple, but sample-containing areas cannot be clearly distinguished from non-sample areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from conventional perpendicular or near-perpendicular lighting to grazing angle illumination (light beam incident at a very shallow angle relative to the sample plate surface). This parameter change enables clear differentiation between sample-containing and non-sample areas by creating distinct optical contrast, directly resolving the technical contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging is used, then the imaging system remains simple, but low volume samples with low analyte concentration cannot be clearly identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies grazing angle illumination to enhance the optical contrast for low volume and low concentration samples. By changing the illumination angle parameter, the system achieves improved detection capability for trace samples without requiring complex imaging system modifications.
3Measurement precision
If conventional illumination is used, then the illumination system remains simple, but samples on textured surfaces cannot be properly visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses grazing angle illumination to enhance the visualization of samples on textured surfaces. The shallow incident angle creates distinct optical effects that highlight surface topology and sample locations, enabling proper visualization of textured surfaces without adding system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables clear differentiation between sample and non-sample areas, facilitating the identification and ionization of low volume or low concentration samples, even on textured surfaces, thereby improving the analytical capabilities of MALDI ion sources.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device that is configured to produce a light beam that contacts the sample plate surface to define a grazing angle between the light beam and the sample plate surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a mass spectrometry system ion source containing a sample plate and an illumination device that is configured to produce a light beam that contacts the sample plate surface to define a grazing angle between the light beam and the sample plate surface. The ion source may also contain an imaging device, e.g., a CCD or CMOS camera or the like, for viewing the area. In one embodiment, the imaging device may be connected to a display, e.g., a video monitor. Methods and mass spectrometry systems empliying the ion source are also provided.